DIPLOMACY

02.10.12

China, India Head to Iran

Majid Asgaripour / AFP-Getty Images

China has announced plans to send a senior official to Iran to discuss Western sanctions attempting to curb the country’s nuclear program, as the new sanctions are hurting trade. India, which is one of Iran’s biggest oil customers, also indicated that it would weigh in on the discussion. The new sanctions imposed by the U.S. and EU are also already affecting oil flow, according to the International Energy Agency, even though the ban on European imports from the Islamic republic doesn’t go into effect until July. In a press meeting, China’s ministry spokesman said it has “consistently advocated dialogue as the only proper channel for resolving the Iran nuclear issue.”